SSC CGL (Prelims) General: Grammar questions with solutions

Q1. Find the part of the sentence that contains an error: The report’s focus on tech-utopianism, though praiseworthy, (1) ignore the deep-rooted inequities (2) that continue in data availability and digital competence (3) across demographic and regional gaps. (4)

1. (1)
2. (2)
3. (3)
4. (4)

Answer: (2)

The subject of the sentence is singular: "The report’s focus." Therefore, the verb should also be singular. The error is in part (2), where "ignore" should be "ignores."

Q2. Select the correct option: So fragile __ the talks that one disclosure could sabotage them.

1. are
2. were
3. is
4. was

Answer: were

The sentence uses inversion for emphasis: "So fragile were the talks..." The subject "the talks" is plural, so the correct verb is "were."

Q3. Select the correct option: Her analysis was __ than impressive; it was nearly revelatory.

1. less
2. more
3. other
4. rather

Answer: more

The sentence means her analysis was not just impressive but even beyond that. The correct comparative expression is "more than impressive."

Q4. A sentence is provided in direct speech. From the four given options, choose the one that most accurately conveys the sentence in indirect speech: He said, “I am not feeling fine.”

1. He said that he is not feeling fine.
2. He said that he was not feeling fine.
3. He said that he didn’t feel fine.
4. He said he not feeling fine.

Answer: He said that he was not feeling fine.

In indirect speech, the present continuous "am not feeling" changes to the past continuous "was not feeling" when the reporting verb is in the past tense. The pronoun also changes from "I" to "he."

Q5. Change the following from active to passive: Why did the editor disregard the major stylistic irregularities?

1. Why have the major stylistic irregularities been disregarded by the editor?
2. Why are the major stylistic irregularities being disregarded by the editor?
3. Why did the major stylistic irregularities be disregarded by the editor?
4. Why were the major stylistic irregularities disregarded by the editor?

Answer: Why were the major stylistic irregularities disregarded by the editor?

The active sentence is in simple past tense: "did disregard." In passive voice, the object "the major stylistic irregularities" becomes the subject, and the verb changes to "were disregarded."

Q6. Convert the sentence from passive voice to active voice: Ancient artifacts are believed to have been quietly removed from the location by trespassers before the audit.

1. Trespassers removed the ancient artifacts before the audit.
2. The location was quietly cleared before the audit.
3. Trespassers are believed to have quietly removed ancient artifacts before the audit.
4. The artifacts had been removed prior to the audit.

Answer: Trespassers are believed to have quietly removed ancient artifacts before the audit.

The original sentence is a passive construction with “are believed to have been removed.” In active voice, the doer “trespassers” becomes the subject while the reporting structure remains intact.

Q7. Choose the most suitable option to replace the highlighted part of the sentence: He is eagerly looking forward to meet Sakshi soon.

1. to meeting Sakshi
2. for meeting Sakshi
3. meeting Sakshi
4. to have met Sakshi

Answer: to meeting Sakshi

The phrase “look forward to” is followed by a gerund (-ing form), not the base infinitive. Therefore, “to meeting Sakshi” is the correct replacement.

Q8. Convert the sentence from passive voice to active voice: The certificates will be prepared by the office within an hour.

1. The office prepares the certificates within an hour.
2. The office will prepare the certificates within an hour.
3. The certificates prepared by the office soon.
4. The office had prepared the certificates in an hour.

Answer: The office will prepare the certificates within an hour.

In the passive sentence, “the office” is the doer and “the certificates” is the object. Changing to active voice gives “The office will prepare the certificates within an hour.”

Q9. Find the part of the sentence that contains an error: The claim that critical voices are suppressed (1) / in the absence of firm procedural checks (2) / indicates a disturbing pattern of democratic decline (3) / visible at several layers of administration. (4)

1. (1)
2. (2)
3. (3)
4. (4)

Answer: (3)

The subject of the main clause is "The claim," which is singular. Therefore, the verb should be "indicates," not "indicate."

Q10. Select the correct option: It is essential that the agreement _____ approved prior to the deadline.

1. will be
2. was
3. be
4. has been

Answer: be

After expressions like "It is essential that," the subjunctive mood is used. The verb remains in its base form, so "be" is correct.

Q11. Change the following from active to passive: Scholars might reasonably reassess the manuscript once fresh findings come to light.

1. The manuscript might reasonably be reassessed by scholars once fresh findings come to light.
2. The manuscript might have been reassessed by scholars once fresh findings come to light.
3. The manuscript will be reassessed reasonably by scholars once fresh findings come to light.
4. The manuscript could reasonably be reassessing by scholars once fresh findings come to light.

Answer: The manuscript might reasonably be reassessed by scholars once fresh findings come to light.

In passive voice, the object "the manuscript" becomes the subject, and the modal verb "might" is retained. The correct passive form is "might reasonably be reassessed."

Q12. Select the correct option: ______ finalising the technical audit, the committee asked for further resources.

1. Having
2. On
3. Upon
4. Although

Answer: Upon

'Upon' is correctly used before a gerund to mean 'after' or 'on completion of'. The sentence becomes 'Upon finalising the technical audit, the committee asked for further resources.'

Q13. Select the correct option: Hardly had the rover activated when it began sending diagnostic signals.

1. than
2. when
3. before
4. until

Answer: when

The correct correlative structure is 'Hardly had ... when ...', which expresses that one event happened immediately after another. 'When' is the only option that fits grammatically.

Q14. Choose the most suitable option to replace the highlighted part of the sentence: They are planning to go to abroad for training.

1. are planning to go abroad
2. plan going to abroad
3. are planning to go to the abroad
4. are planning to go for abroad

Answer: are planning to go abroad

“Abroad” already means to or in a foreign country, so “to” before it is incorrect. The correct phrase is “go abroad.”

Q15. A sentence is provided in direct speech. From the four given options, choose the one that most accurately conveys the sentence in its corresponding indirect speech: She said, “I purchased a new smartphone.”

1. She said that she had purchased a new smartphone.
2. She said that she purchases a new smartphone.
3. She said that she was purchasing a new smartphone.
4. She said that she has purchased a new smartphone.

Answer: She said that she had purchased a new smartphone.

In indirect speech, the pronoun changes from “I” to “she,” and the past tense “purchased” changes to past perfect “had purchased.” This makes option A the correct transformation.

Q16. Select the correct option for the direct speech conversion of the sentence below: The ecologist cautioned that the region’s carrying capacity might be surpassed if invasive organisms multiplied without control.

1. The ecologist said, “The region’s carrying capacity will be surpassed if invasive organisms multiply without control.”
2. The ecologist said, “Had invasive organisms multiplied without control, the region’s carrying capacity would be surpassed.”
3. The ecologist said, “The region’s carrying capacity might be surpassed if invasive organisms multiply without control.”
4. The ecologist said, “If invasive organisms multiplied without control, the carrying capacity had been surpassed.”

Answer: The ecologist said, “The region’s carrying capacity might be surpassed if invasive organisms multiply without control.”

The original sentence is in reported speech with the modal “might,” so the direct speech should retain that possibility. The conditional clause also remains in the present tense form after the quotation mark.

Q17. Select the correct option: The proposal, ___ was approved unanimously, will be implemented next month.

1. that
2. which
3. what
4. whose

Answer: which

The clause “___ was approved unanimously” is a non-defining relative clause, so “which” is appropriate after the comma. “That” is generally not used in non-defining clauses.

Q18. Find the part of the sentence that contains an error: Not only the chairman but also the members (1)/ has been charged with violating (2)/ the rules mentioned in the official notice (3)/ during the proceedings. (4)

1. (1)
2. (2)
3. (3)
4. (4)

Answer: (2)

The subject is "the members," which is plural, so the verb should be "have been charged," not "has been charged." The error is in part (2).

Q19. Convert the sentence from passive voice to active voice: The employees were made to attend the briefing by the supervisor.

1. The supervisor was made to attend the briefing.
2. The supervisor had made the employees attended the briefing.
3. The supervisor made the employees attend the briefing.
4. The supervisor was attending the briefing for the employees.

Answer: The supervisor made the employees attend the briefing.

In the passive sentence, "the supervisor" is the doer and "the employees" are the ones made to attend. Converting to active voice gives: "The supervisor made the employees attend the briefing."

Q20. Find the part of the sentence that contains an error: The organisation requires a detailed feedback (1)/ from each department (2)/ before finalising its restructuring plan (3)/ for the next financial year. (4)

1. (1)
2. (2)
3. (3)
4. (4)

Answer: (1)

"Feedback" is an uncountable noun, so "a detailed feedback" is incorrect. The correct phrase is "detailed feedback."

Q21. Select the correct option: He explained the concept so ___ that even complex arguments appeared easy to grasp.

1. clear
2. clearly
3. clarity
4. clearness

Answer: clearly

The blank describes the manner of explaining, so an adverb is required. “Clearly” correctly modifies the verb phrase “explained the concept.”

Q22. Select the correct option for the direct speech conversion of the sentence below: He remarked that, if market liquidity had disappeared completely, the exchange would have halted trading.

1. He said, “If market liquidity disappears completely, the exchange halts trading.”
2. He said, “If market liquidity had disappeared completely, the exchange would have halted trading.”
3. He said, “The exchange will halt trading if market liquidity had disappeared completely.”
4. He said, “If the exchange halted trading, it was because market liquidity disappeared completely.”

Answer: He said, “If market liquidity had disappeared completely, the exchange would have halted trading.”

The reported sentence is in the third conditional: “had disappeared” and “would have halted.” In direct speech, this structure remains unchanged except for the reporting verb and quotation marks.

Q23. Choose the most suitable option to replace the highlighted part of the sentence: Ragini insisted that she comes along with us.

1. came along with us
2. should come along with us
3. is coming along with us
4. has to come along with us

Answer: should come along with us

After “insisted that,” the clause should use the subjunctive or mandative form. “Should come along with us” is the best replacement among the options.

Q24. A sentence is provided in indirect speech. From the four given options, choose the one that most accurately conveys the sentence in its corresponding direct speech: The envoy said that only after the truce would talks commence.

1. “Talks commence only after the truce,” said the envoy.
2. “Only after the truce, talks would commence,” said the envoy.
3. “Only after the truce will talks commence,” said the envoy.
4. “Talks would commence once the truce is declared,” said the envoy.

Answer: “Only after the truce will talks commence,” said the envoy.

In indirect speech, “would” often represents future tense from a past perspective. Converting it back to direct speech gives “will talks commence” after the introductory phrase.

Q25. A sentence is provided in direct speech. From the four given options, choose the one that most accurately conveys the sentence in indirect speech: The researcher said, “We have been observing this phenomenon for months.”

1. The researcher said they had been observing that phenomenon for months.
2. The researcher said they have been observing this phenomenon for months.
3. The researcher said that they were observing that phenomenon.
4. The researcher said that we had observed this phenomenon.

Answer: The researcher said they had been observing that phenomenon for months.

In indirect speech, "have been observing" changes to "had been observing" after a past reporting verb. "This phenomenon" becomes "that phenomenon" in reported speech.

Q26. Change the following from active to passive: The scientist might have been conducting the experiment.

1. The experiment might have conducted by the scientist.
2. The experiment might have been conducting by the scientist.
3. The experiment might have been being conducted by the scientist.
4. The experiment might being conducted by the scientist.

Answer: The experiment might have been being conducted by the scientist.

The sentence is in the modal perfect continuous active form: “might have been conducting.” In passive voice, the object “the experiment” becomes the subject, and the verb phrase changes to “might have been being conducted.”

Q27. Select the correct option for the direct speech conversion of the sentence below: The analyst remarked that, if inflation continued at the current pace, consumer spending might contract significantly.

1. The analyst said, "If inflation continues at the current pace, consumer spending will contract significantly."
2. The analyst said, "If inflation continued at the current pace, consumer spending might contract significantly."
3. The analyst said, "Consumer spending might contract significantly if inflation has continued."
4. The analyst said, "Had inflation continued, consumer spending must contract."

Answer: The analyst said, "If inflation continued at the current pace, consumer spending might contract significantly."

The indirect speech sentence reports a conditional statement with “might contract significantly.” In direct speech, the same conditional structure is retained inside quotation marks. Option B preserves both the condition and the modal correctly.

Q28. Select the correct direct speech conversion: He conceded that the symphonic movement would have remained incomplete had the late composer not preserved his annotated drafts.

1. He said, "The symphonic movement would have remained incomplete had the late composer not preserved his annotated drafts."
2. He said, "The symphonic movement will remain incomplete if the late composer not preserved his annotated drafts."
3. He said, "The symphonic movement would remain incomplete had drafts were not preserved."
4. He said, "The symphonic movement remains incomplete if the composer had not preserved drafts."

Answer: He said, "The symphonic movement would have remained incomplete had the late composer not preserved his annotated drafts."

The reported speech is in a past conditional form, so the direct speech should retain the same conditional structure. Option A correctly preserves the meaning and tense relationship.

Q29. Select the correct option: The principal investigator insisted ___ conducting a peer-reviewed replication prior to dissemination.

1. at
2. with
3. on
4. for

Answer: on

The verb 'insist' is followed by the preposition 'on' when expressing firm demand or requirement. Therefore, 'insisted on conducting' is correct.

Q30. Choose the most suitable option to replace the highlighted part: The supervisor is angry on the subordinate.

1. angry at
2. angry with
3. angry for
4. angry over

Answer: angry with

The correct preposition with "angry" when referring to a person is usually "with". So, the sentence should be "The supervisor is angry with the subordinate."

Q31. A sentence is provided in direct speech. From the four given options, choose the one that most accurately conveys the sentence in its corresponding indirect speech: She said, “I did not observe him at the terminal.”

1. She said that she had not observed him at the terminal.
2. She said she has not observed him at the terminal.
3. She said that she did not observed him at the terminal.
4. She said that she was not observing him at the terminal.

Answer: She said that she had not observed him at the terminal.

The reporting verb "said" is in the past, so the past simple tense in direct speech changes to past perfect in indirect speech. Therefore, "did not observe" becomes "had not observed."

Q32. Find the part of the sentence that contains an error: The apprentices were directed (1) to finalize the documentation expeditiously (2) and submit it (3) in a legible handwriting. (4)

1. (1)
2. (2)
3. (3)
4. (4)

Answer: (4)

The error is in part (4) because "handwriting" is an uncountable noun here and should not take the article "a". The correct phrase is "in legible handwriting."

Q33. Choose the most suitable option to replace the highlighted part: He was accused for misappropriating confidential funds.

1. accused of misappropriating
2. accused with misappropriating
3. accused to misappropriate
4. charged for misappropriate

Answer: accused of misappropriating

The verb phrase is "accused of" when stating the offense. Therefore, "accused of misappropriating" is grammatically correct.

Q34. Change the following from active to passive: They had been scrutinizing the memorandum for several quarters.

1. The memorandum had been scrutinized for several quarters.
2. The memorandum had been being scrutinized for several quarters.
3. The memorandum was being scrutinized for several quarters.
4. The memorandum has been being scrutinized for several quarters.

Answer: The memorandum had been being scrutinized for several quarters.

The sentence is in past perfect continuous tense: "had been scrutinizing." In passive voice, the object "the memorandum" becomes the subject, and the structure becomes "had been being scrutinized."

Q35. Convert the sentence below from passive to active voice: The possibility of the encrypted correspondence being intercepted prior to declassification was not categorically dismissed.

1. Authorities categorically dismissed the interception prior to declassification.
2. The interception was dismissed before declassification occurred.
3. They did not categorically dismiss the possibility that the encrypted correspondence was intercepted prior to declassification.
4. Declassification occurred before the dismissal of interception.

Answer: They did not categorically dismiss the possibility that the encrypted correspondence was intercepted prior to declassification.

The passive sentence states that the possibility was not dismissed. In active voice, this becomes a negative statement with an implied subject such as "they" who did not dismiss that possibility.

Q36. Choose the most suitable option to replace the highlighted part: She is understanding the implications of the policy revision.

1. understands
2. has understood
3. was understanding
4. is understand

Answer: understands

The verb "understand" is generally not used in the present continuous when expressing a current state of knowledge or realization. The simple present "understands" is grammatically correct.

Q37. Fill in the blank: Had the manuscript been submitted before the deadline, it ____ peer review in the current cycle.

1. will undergo
2. would have undergone
3. had undergone
4. would undergo

Answer: would have undergone

The sentence expresses an unreal past condition and its hypothetical result, which is a third conditional. Therefore, the correct form is "would have undergone."

Q38. Find the part of the sentence that contains an error: The managing director together with the advisory board (1)/ were instrumental in negotiating the merger (2)/ with international stakeholders (3)/ and regulatory authorities. (4)

1. (1)
2. (2)
3. (3)
4. (4)

Answer: (2)

The subject is "The managing director," which is singular. The phrase "together with the advisory board" is parenthetical and does not change the subject number, so the verb should be "was," not "were."

Q39. Find the part of the sentence that contains an error: The committee recommended that the proposal is reconsidered (1)/ in light of emerging fiscal constraints (2)/ and broader regulatory implications (3)/ across multiple jurisdictions. (4)

1. (1)
2. (2)
3. (3)
4. (4)

Answer: (1)

After verbs such as recommend, suggest, and insist, the clause usually takes the subjunctive form: ‘that the proposal be reconsidered.’ The phrase ‘is reconsidered’ is therefore incorrect.

Q40. Find the part of the sentence that contains an error: No sooner had the policy been announced (1) / when the opposition not only criticized it (2) / but also (3) / demanded its immediate withdrawal. (4)

1. (1)
2. (2)
3. (3)
4. (4)

Answer: (2)

The correct correlative structure is “No sooner had ... than ...”, not “when.” Therefore, the error is in part (2).

Q41. Convert the sentence from passive voice to active voice: The amendments are believed to have been approved by the regulatory authority last quarter.

1. The regulatory authority approved the amendments last quarter.
2. The amendments were approved last quarter.
3. The regulatory authority is believed to have approved the amendments last quarter.
4. The regulatory authority has approved the amendments last quarter.

Answer: The regulatory authority is believed to have approved the amendments last quarter.

The sentence is in a passive reporting construction: “are believed to have been approved.” In active voice, the doer becomes the subject, giving “The regulatory authority is believed to have approved the amendments last quarter.”

Q42. Choose the most suitable option to replace the highlighted part of the sentence: She persisted in her efforts despite repeated setbacks.

1. in spite repeated setbacks
2. despite repeated setbacks
3. although repeated setbacks
4. despite of repeated setbacks

Answer: despite repeated setbacks

The phrase 'despite' is a preposition and should be followed directly by a noun, pronoun, or gerund. Therefore, 'despite repeated setbacks' is correct, while 'despite of' is incorrect.

Q43. Find the part of the sentence that contains an error: The committee’s recommendation, notwithstanding its ambiguity, (1)/ were considered by the reviewers (2)/ to prioritise procedural compliance (3)/ over substantive reform. (4)

1. (1)
2. (2)
3. (3)
4. (4)

Answer: (2)

The subject 'The committee’s recommendation' is singular, so the verb must be 'was considered' instead of 'were considered'. The error is in part (2).

Q44. Find the part of the sentence that contains an error: Each of the shortlisted candidates (1)/ have submitted their credentials (2)/ prior to the final interview (3)/ conducted last week. (4)

1. (1)
2. (2)
3. (3)
4. (4)

Answer: (2)

'Each of the shortlisted candidates' is a singular subject phrase, so it should take 'has submitted' instead of 'have submitted'. The error is in part (2).

Q45. A sentence is provided in direct speech. From the four given options, choose the one that most accurately conveys the sentence in indirect speech: He said, “I have completed the manuscript.”

1. He said that he has completed the manuscript.
2. He said that he had completed the manuscript.
3. He said he completed the manuscript.
4. He said that he was completing the manuscript.

Answer: He said that he had completed the manuscript.

In indirect speech, the present perfect tense 'have completed' generally changes to past perfect 'had completed' when the reporting verb is in the past tense. The pronoun 'I' also changes to 'he'.

Q46. Convert the sentence from passive voice to active voice: The proposal was rejected by the panel after prolonged deliberation.

1. The panel rejected the proposal after prolonged deliberation.
2. The panel had rejected the proposal.
3. The proposal rejected the panel after deliberation.
4. After prolonged deliberation, the proposal rejected the panel.

Answer: The panel rejected the proposal after prolonged deliberation.

In passive voice, the object receives the action and the doer is introduced by 'by'. To change it into active voice, make 'the panel' the subject and use the verb 'rejected' with 'the proposal' as the object.

Q47. Change the following from active to passive: The board is to announce the revised policy.

1. The revised policy is to be announced by the board.
2. The revised policy was to be announced by the board.
3. The revised policy has been announced by the board.
4. The revised policy will announce by the board.

Answer: The revised policy is to be announced by the board.

In passive voice, the object "the revised policy" becomes the subject. Since the original sentence uses "is to announce," the passive form becomes "is to be announced."

Q48. Find the part of the sentence that contains an error: The research division (1)/ consists specialists (2)/ in analytics, forecasting, and strategy (3)/ across multiple sectors. (4)

1. (1)
2. (2)
3. (3)
4. (4)

Answer: (2)

The phrase 'consists specialists' is incorrect. The correct expression is 'consists of specialists', so the error is in part (2).

Q49. Fill in the blank with the correct option: She articulated her argument so ______ that the panel was thoroughly convinced.

1. fluent
2. fluency
3. fluently
4. more fluent

Answer: fluently

The word after “so” should describe the manner of articulation, so an adverb is required. “Fluently” correctly modifies the verb “articulated.”

Q50. Choose the most suitable option to replace the highlighted part of the sentence: She reverted back to her previous stance after reviewing the additional evidence.

1. reverted
2. returned back
3. came back
4. has reverted back

Answer: reverted

“Revert” already means to return to a previous state or position, so “back” is redundant. The correct replacement is simply “reverted.”